Twenty heads of cattle rescued at Bajpe in Mangaluru

Police in Mangaluru intercept vehicle carrying cattle in inhumane conditions, sparking controversy over alleged firearm use by activists.

The city police intercepted a vehicle near Suralpady mosque at Bajpe in Mangaluru on Friday (March 28) morning and rescued 20 heads of cattle that were reportedly tied to the roof of the vehicle in an inhuman manner.

While the Bajrang Dal activists, who chased the vehicle, alleged that the accused fired at them, the police said there was no visible proof of firing at the spot. Of the 20 heads of cattle, two were found dead.

In a statement, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said that after the police intercepted the vehicle, its driver and two others who were transporting the cattle, abandoned the four-wheeler and fled from the spot. The way the cattle were being taken indicated that they were being illegally transported for slaughter. The accused had removed the original number plate of the vehicle.

The vehicle was brought to Bajpe police station where all the cattle were checked by veterinary doctors. Two of them had succumbed to injuries sustained during transportation. The surviving cattle were given treatment and fodder.

The suspected individuals involved in the transportation were identified as Tauseef Peradi and Harine Peradi. One person is yet to be identified. A case was registered at Bajpe Police Station, the police said.

Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty, who visited the police station, said it was Bajrang Dal activists who chased the vehicle in a multi-utility vehicle and waylaid it before the police arrived at the spot.

“I spoke to the driver of the multi-utility vehicle. He said he saw another vehicle overtaking him and a person firing towards the multi-utility vehicle. I have told him to file a police complaint,” Dr. Shetty told The Hindu.